The secret to asking for help? Climb “Cringe Mountain.” ⛰️ Goldie Chan breaks down why every good ask has two parts: 1️⃣ Be smart: research what you’re asking for and make it incredibly specific. 2️⃣ Be a little stupid: take the leap and actually put the ask out there. And as Jessi Hempel points out, the hard part is purely emotional. You can’t logic your way out of the discomfort. So play out the worst case scenario: They say no. You survive. And you’re one step closer to the person who says yes. If you’ve been avoiding that ask…make it. Then let us know how it goes in the comments. For more impactful insights with Goldie Chan, check out the full conversation on Hello Monday. Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e723aUNJ Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eSW2iiBj Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/etzbpM_X
Love this. The discomfort of asking for help is often the hardest part, but once you push through it, you’ll be surprised by how much support you can receive. It’s all about embracing that cringe mountain.
There is always a moment right before asking for help where your mind tries to protect your ego more than your goal. I have felt that many times, especially while reaching out to people who were ahead of me. What changed things for me was realising that the “cringe” is temporary, but the opportunity you unlock can reshape your path completely. Most of the meaningful progress in my career came from uncomfortable asks, mentors I reached out to, collaborations I requested, or advice I needed but hesitated to seek. Almost every time, the fear in my head was louder than the actual response. And surprisingly, people are far more generous when they see clarity and genuine intent. The truth is simple: when you ask with purpose, even a no moves you forward. Because the next yes usually comes from the courage you build in these small, difficult moments LinkedIn News.
Climbing “Cringe Mountain” is really about emotional courage, not just strategy. Most people overthink asking for help they try to craft the perfect message or avoid the ask entirely. But the truth is, action beats perfection. The beauty of this approach is twofold: Preparation matters being smart shows respect for the other person’s time and increases the likelihood of a yes. Vulnerability matters being willing to risk rejection builds resilience, opens doors, and connects you with the right people. The people who succeed aren’t the ones who never fail; they’re the ones who fail forward. Every “no” is just feedback and a step closer to a meaningful “yes.” LinkedIn News
Thinking through the worst-case helps jumpstart action, such practical courage-building advice.
...you first...but remember...the fall won't hurt ya...but, that sudden stop at the bottom could be a challenge...
You know, Goldie, I never discriminate on hair color--no matter where it is...
Try it, then you will have the answer. We always tend to lean to the doom and gloom of "what if". Instead let's think about "what if everything works out?". If you try, you will know. Thank you Goldie for this suggestion, absolutely spot on!
I love the way she framed it. Be smart in understanding exactly what you need, and be stupid enough to ask without overthinking the fear. So simple, but so complicated when emotions get involved.
Keynote Speaker on PERSONAL BRANDING in the workplace! | Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller “Personal Branding for Introverts” (Hachette, Oct ’25) | ex-Forbes | Founder, Warm Robots | LinkedIn Top Voice | Cancer Survivor
1dLove how many folks have been on or seen "cringe mountain!"